Bangladesh Police Stage Security Drills as Dhaka Enters High Alert Mode

The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) carried out a large-scale security drill across the capital on Saturday, mobilising thousands of officers and covering strategic areas including government buildings, diplomatic missions, and major public spaces. The exercise comes amid growing concerns over potential protests, political unrest, and recent reports of small-scale explosive incidents in the city.

The drill, which ran from 4 pm to 5 pm, involved more than 7,000 personnel deployed across 142 key locations, according to law-enforcement officials. Officers were equipped with riot gear, and multiple checkpoints were established to monitor movements in sensitive zones. The exercise was designed to test coordination among various branches of the police force, assess rapid-response capabilities, and evaluate overall preparedness in the event of an emergency or civil disturbance.

Officials emphasised that such drills are part of routine security measures to ensure public safety, especially in a city that hosts government offices, foreign embassies, and critical infrastructure. “Our primary goal is to safeguard citizens and prevent any disruption to public life. These exercises allow us to improve coordination, communication, and operational readiness,” a DMP spokesperson said.

Observers note that the timing of the drill coincides with political tensions in the city, including planned demonstrations and ongoing debates over national policies. The visible presence of police personnel, vehicles, and strategic roadblocks is likely intended to deter unrest while also reassuring residents of their safety.

Citizens reported seeing heavy police deployment along major streets and intersections, with some road diversions in place during the exercise. Social media users shared photos and videos of police personnel conducting crowd-control simulations and security sweeps in key public areas.

Security experts say that such proactive measures are increasingly common in Dhaka, given the city’s history of politically charged protests and periodic security threats. The DMP confirmed that similar drills will continue to be held in the future as part of a broader strategy to enhance law enforcement readiness and maintain public order.